Advising & Counseling

Julianne Shields
Pathways: Health Careers

Bio: Julianne Shields has worked in various student service departments in higher education, including advising, financial aid, and career development. She currently serves as an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor, further dedicating her time and passion to helping students navigate their academic journey. Julianne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and her Master of Science in College Student Affairs from Minnesota State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading a good book, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Natalia Carvalho-Pinto
Pathways: Arts & Media, English/Humanities/Liberal Arts, Health Careers

Bio: Natalia Carvalho-Pinto serves as an Academic and Career Pathway advisor. She holds Masters degrees in Education and Social-Cultural Studies of Education from Western Michigan University. Throughout her career, she has held multiple roles within higher education and non-profit sectors, leading initiatives that centered family and parent leadership and underrepresented communities, and supporting students of color and first-generation college students. She holds a Strong Interest Inventory certification, and is a Racial Healing Circle Practitioner. During the summer, you can also find her at the Homer Stryker Field cheering on our Kalamazoo Growlers baseball team.

Leona Carter
Pathways: Industrial Trades, Public Service

Bio: Leona Carter is an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor dedicated to empowering students in trade and public service programs to succeed. She is a proud graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and she is currently pursuing her MBA at Siena Heights University. Leona moved from Seattle, Washington to Kalamazoo, Michigan to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise, which her 6 children greatly benefited from. With over 15 years of experience in program development, training, and student support, Leona brings a strong foundation of practical knowledge and compassion to her work.

Tyler Roemer
Pathways: Health Careers

Bio: Tyler Roemer serves as an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor at Kalamazoo Valley. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University, majoring in Integrative Public Relations and minoring in music. Having a strong family tie to the hospital setting, as well as working at a hospital for many years as a scheduler and housekeeper, Tyler looks forward to guiding students along their journey into the healthcare profession. When Tyler is not working, he enjoys playing the piano and singing with a community choir. Additionally, Tyler loves traveling, baking, and spending time with his husband and pets.

Apryl Scheffler-Martin, MA, GCDF
Pathways: Business/CIS, EMC, Undecided

Bio: Apryl Scheffler-Martin was born and raised in Michigan, attending Central Michigan University and earning a bachelor's degree in Family Studies. Apryl then went on to earn a master's degree in College Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2018. She started her higher education career at Washtenaw Community College, then transitioned to her Academic and Career Pathway Advisor role at Kalamazoo Valley in 2021, where she has proudly supported students with achieving their goals. Apryl is happily married and enjoys raising her cats and chickens. She also loves reading, writing, and being outdoors.

Nate Anderson
Pathways: Industrial Trades, Science & Engineering, EMC, Undecided

Bio: Nate Anderson has been serving as an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor at Kalamazoo Valley since 2021. Before working at Kalamazoo Valley, Nate worked in a similar role at another community college and as a counselor for Community Mental Health. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Grace College and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with family, exploring nature, and being involved in his faith community.

Kevin Tucker
Pathways: Education, English/Humanities/Liberal Arts, Human Services/Social Services

Bio: Kevin Tucker is an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor at Kalamazoo Valley. He received his Master of Arts in Military History from American Military University and is an Army Veteran with over 29 years of service. In the army, he worked in logistics and career counseling. Kevin has lived in many different states, including Indiana where he grew up, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, South Carolina, and now Michigan. In his free time, Kevin enjoys reading non-fiction books, outdoor cooking, disc golf, and attending minor-league baseball games.

Kenny Plont
Pathways: Business/CIS, Education

Bio: Kenny Plont has worked as an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor for Kalamazoo Valley Community College for 3 years. He received his bachelor's in Secondary Education: History and Social Studies from Oakland University in 2018 and his master's in Learning, Design, and Technology from Central Michigan University in 2021. Prior to working as an advisor, Kenny worked as a high school and middle school Social Studies teacher. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to and playing music, reading history books, and going on long walks. Kenny is passionate about working with students to guide them to success and fosters a safe and welcoming space for the students he sees.

Jeff Stone
Pathways: Science & Engineering

Bio: Jeff Stone has recently completed 40 years of full-time employment in higher education, having worked for Alma College, the University of Louisville, Western Michigan University, and now Kalamazoo Valley Community College since 2023. Jeff grew up in Midland, Michigan and was a first-generation college student, earning a bachelor's degree from Alma College and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. The majority of his work experience occurred in athletic academic services, developing academic support programs to assist Division 1 student athletes in pursuit of their college degrees. Jeff is married to his wife, Anne, and has a daughter (Elizabeth), a son (Andrew), and a rescue dog named Brodie.

Amy Shreve
Pathways: Business/CIS, General Studies

Bio: Amy Shreve is an Academic and Career Pathway Advisor, exercising her passion for being a part of the student's journey through college and beyond. Before working at Kalamazoo Valley, Amy held positions at Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University. She attended Northwestern Michigan College, a community college located in Traverse City, and transferred to Western Michigan University where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees. Outside of work, Amy finds joy in fashion and spending time outdoors.

Heidi Parmelee, MA, LPC
Pathways: Arts & Media, Education, General Studies

Bio: Heidi Parmelee has been serving as a counselor for Kalamazoo Valley Community College since 1999, fulfilling her passion for learning about students' goals and dreams while offering support and guidance on their journeys. Heidi received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History from Albion College in 1994 and continued her education at Western Michigan University where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Education/Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Holistic Health Care in 1997. Heidi became a fully licensed professional counselor in 2002. In her free time, Heidi can be found tackling various home renovation projects. She takes pride in being an enthusiastic theater and choir mom, cheering on her sons during their performances. Heidi also cherishes time spent with her spouse and their mischievous Labrador, Luna.

Jenny Buysse, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, GCDF, CCSP, BCC
Pathways: Undecided

Bio: Jenny Buysse has been a part of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College family since 2001. As a counseling professional, she happily helps guide students in their career, academic, and personal development. Jenny received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Xavier University located in Cincinnati, Ohio. She then went on to complete her Master of Arts in Counseling in Higher Education from Western Michigan University. Jenny is a National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.), a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.), Approved Clinical Supervisor (A.C.S.), Global Career Development Facilitator (G.C.D.F.), and a Board-Certified Coach (B.C.C.) for career development. She uses her unique skills and passion for students to provide support for those struggling with academic, career, and mental health concerns. Jennifer loves helping students achieve their goals and find fulfillment within their lives.

LaSonda Wells, Ph.D, LPC, NCC, ACS
Pathways: Business/CIS, General Studies

Bio: As Counseling Faculty, Dr. LaSonda Wells provides academic advising as well as brief personal and crisis counseling. She is passionate about supporting students' mental well-being and helping them find their unique path toward meaningful careers through education. Her approach combines practical guidance with encouragement rooted in lived experiences. As a first-generation student, her educational journey was non-traditional - completed all while serving active duty, working full time, primarily through distance learning and raising her son. She shares her story to inspire students to believe in their ability to achieve academic and personal success through perseverance, showing that educational goals are possible with determination and hard work. Dr. Wells is a licensed professional and nationally certified counselor and has worked at Kalamazoo Valley for 17 years. Additionally, she is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. She earned her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University, along with a Holistic Health Certificate. In her free time, Dr. Wells enjoys working at her private practice, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Natalie Lovely, MA, LPC
Pathways: Liberal Arts, Education, EMC/Dual Enrollment

Bio: Natalie Lovely is a former Kalamazoo Valley student who started as a dual enrollee in her senior year and continued on as a student athlete playing tennis. After her time at KVCC, she continued playing tennis and furthered her education at Grand Valley State University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science. She started her career as an Elementary Physical Education teacher and tennis coach. Natalie later graduated from Western Michigan University with her Master of Arts in Counselor Education: College Counseling and later began the counseling faculty position here at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Natalie is grateful for the opportunity to work with all of our students and loves being part of a team that is dedicated to their success. Outside of work, Natalie loves watching and playing sports and helps coach her daughter's high school tennis team. She enjoys being active and spending time with her children.

Chris Stroven, MA, LPC
Pathways: Brewing/Culinary/Sustainable Horticulture, Health Careers, General Studies

Bio: Chris Stroven is located at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus and has served Kalamazoo Valley as a Licensed Counselor for many years supporting students throughout their college journey. He received his master's degree from Western Michigan University, where he studied Counselor Education: Counseling Psychology. Chris is an active member of the American College Counseling Association and serves on the Advisory Board for Michigan's Mental Health Improvement through Community Colleges initiative. Utilizing a supportive and iterative mindset approach, Chris helps students navigate both academic and personal challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys kayaking, hiking, and gardening. Chris is married and the proud father of two daughters.